Proton therapy

Hi Kathy. 
if you put proton in the search function there are quite a few posts. 
Good luck 

Thank you 

I will try that just now 

X

Hi Kathy

I can't offer any direct advice on Proton therapy aside from an understanding of the physics of the treatment.  From that perspective Proton therapy should be much "kinder" on the neck than conventional RT.  My understanding is that the effect on the cancer is similar to the conventional treatment but the energy of the beam of radiation is much more targeted on the actual tumour site rather than in conventional RT where it basically hits everything in a tunnel as it passes through the body - tumour or not.  Thus collateral damage from the radiation should be a lot less.

I did research this early in my treatment (in the end I only had multiple surgeries) and at that time it was being suggested that Proton was a viable option for treating a returning cancer that had already been hit with conventional RT.  Not sure where this thinking has got to, but if that is the case it could be a very valuable trial for some of us.

Trials are important and I commend you for taking part.  It is the only way that new and improved treatments can be developed for people who follow us.

Hi Peter 

Thank your your message.

I have read about it this afternoon and am feeling more likely to take this option  I told my oncologist I'd be happy to take part in trials as it's very important for future cancer patients.

I did the  Looc trial with my initial surgery.

Pathos was just too much with more  surgery, neck dissection and chemoradiation but I did consider it at first.

Lots to think about, also the travelling to London every day for 7 weeks is a downside.

Thanks again 

BW 

Kathy x

Good luck with the treatment Warrior1, i dont know much about modern treatments and trials but i think its good to know they are offering alternatives without surgery as all three of my cancers were operations although i did have chemo and radiotherapy after my first operation in 2008. Hope all goes well, take care.

                                                                        Chris  

Warrior1 said:

I took part in the Looc trial. Which was fine.

Thanks so much for this Kathy

if anybody is interested in this there is a description here https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04498221

How did you find it?